School Staff

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University in Chicago. More recently I received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. September 2009 will mark the anniversary of my first year as Principal, here at Immanuel Lutheran School. From the very moment that we first came to Immanuel, everyone was very warm and welcoming – they are like my second family! Immanuel Lutheran School and Church has been a great blessing to me and my family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' My close family includes my wife, Emily, our son, Aidan and our daughter, Neve. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family.

The people that I work with make it a joy to come to work in the morning. Working in a Christian environment of staff, students, and families, has been a rich blessing. My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 My husband, Dave, and I have three grown children: Angi and husband Ron have three boys, Jeffrey and his wife Anne have two boys and two girls, Matthew and his wife Kim have twin boys. My interests include reading, sewing, some needle craft, traveling, and spending time with family.
 
 

My educational background is from Concordia University, Chicago, where I earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. I feel blessed to serve at Immanuel. The teachers and staff along with the families make this a great place to share in God’s ministry. It is a joy to work with this family of faith. My favorite Bible verse is 'A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you much love one another.' John 13:34 I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Kim, and four awesome children – Joy, Alan, Benjamin and Clara. My hobbies include studying the Civil War and collecting sports memorabilia.

My educational background was rooted in Concordia University, Seward, NE where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and I also received an ELL / ESL endorsement. In my opinion, the staff and faculty at ILS cannot be beat! We work together to teach the students the most important thing in life: Jesus! My favorite Bible verse is “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 I am married to fellow ILS teacher, Sam Eckman, the 7th grade homeroom teacher. We have a miniature Pinscher named Eddy Jax. For my hobbies, I enjoy scrap booking and spending my summers traveling.

I received a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Special Education from the University of Nebraska. I enjoy getting out of bed in the morning and coming to serve the students at Immanuel because I have the privilege of sharing Jesus every day! Working at Immanuel allows me to interact with great Christian parents and staff, including my husband. My favorite Bible verse is, 'We love because He first loved us.' 1 John 4:19, which is also the text from our wedding. I have been married to Pastor Bangert for 25 years and we have been blessed with a Christian family. We have three children – Jessica married to Luke (a nurse and a seminary student), Joshua – a fourth year pharmacy student at Drake, and Johannah – second year math education student at the University of Illinois. My hobbies include rubber stamping / card making, scrapbooking, reading, sewing, spending time with family (sports), and traveling.

My education started when I attended Zion Lutheran School and Independence High School in Independence, KS. I am a 1965 graduate of Concordia University in Seward, NE, where I received a Bachelor’s in Education. People ask me what I like about Immanuel and I can honestly say that my students make each day new and exciting! Our staff is made up of truly committed Christian teachers. Teaching little ones about Christ is such a real and integral part of every day. My favorite Bible verse is 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose' Romans 8:28. My family is both growing and shrinking. My parents have both gone to be with their Lord. I have two sisters, 16 nieces and nephews, and 9 great nieces and nephews! My hobbies are walking, bowling, listening to and playing music, cats, reading, trivia game shows, and word search puzzles.

My professional education began at Missouri State University in Springfield with a Bachelor's degree in Education and Early Childhood Certification. It continued at Concordia University, Chicago where I received a minister of the Gospel degree to serve in the teaching ministry through the colloquy program. At Immanuel, I appreciate working with the committed staff who provide not only classrooms full of excellent academic opportunities, but also strive to serve each student with a servant’s heart in order to fulfill the Great Commission by being witnesses of God’s love and grace! My favorite verse is, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:6-7. My husband, Andy, serves in a leadership position for the Career Center of the Washington School District.

My educational background began at East Central Junior College where I received an Associate of Arts. Then I attended Southeast Missouri State, receiving my Bachelors degree in Education. Afterward, I completed a Masters program and earned my degree from Webster University. I love hearing the children sing at chapel; it inspires me! I also love beginning our day with fellow faculty members in prayer and devotions. The closeness of our staff is a true blessing. My favorite passage is 'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it' from Psalm 118:24. My husband, Rich, and I have been married for 30 years. We have three daughters: Ashley, a nurse, Mollie, a Junior in High School, and Haley, a Sophomore in High School. My hobbies are reading, playing golf, playing games, and visiting with my family and friends.

My educational background started at St. Paul’s College in Concordia, MO, where I received an Associate of Arts. I then continued at Concordia University, Seward, NE where I was awarded a Bachelor degree in Education.

My students and our staff are a great blessing. The staff members are a solid support group. Watching students growing in faith and putting that faith into practice make the hours of preparation worthwhile! The Christ-filled atmosphere makes coming to school a joyful experience.

My favorite Bible verses are Ephesians 2:8-10. This has meant a lot to me since my college days; Jeremiah 29:11 helped me through some tough times; and John 5:24, my Confirmation verse, has become more meaningful to me as the years have gone by.

I am married to Melvin. I enjoy playing organ and piano. Gardening and needlework and recreational reading are ways I relax. I also attend concerts and other cultural events as often as possible.

My educational background began at East Central College, finishing with an Associates of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Subsequently I attended Concordia University, Seward, NE and earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Lutheran Teaching Diploma.

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University – Chicago.

I feel privileged to serve at Immanuel. I enjoy teaching about how God has intricately designed this vast universe. I enjoy seeing the unique personalities of each student and seeing how God uses them all for his purposes. My favorite Bible verse reads 'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.' Galatians 2:20.

My educational background began and was completed at Concordia University, Nebraska. I attained a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma.

I appreciate being able to build lasting relationships with the faculty and staff as we work to share the gospel with all of the Immanuel Church and School families. The school lunches are also tasty!

My favorite Bible verse is 'And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.' Colossians 3:17

I am married to fellow ILS teacher, Robbi Eckman. We have a dog named Eddy Jax. I have a fish named Ralph Julio Lauren who is currently my class pet. My hobbies include watching Antique Traveling Roadshow and I enjoy visiting the occasional rummage and yard sale. Most of all, I love spending time with my wife and traveling over the summer months.

My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in Mathematics from Concordia University – Chicago. The 2008 / 09 academic year marks my 10th year of teaching here at Immanuel.

The best part of working at ILS is the people that God surrounds me with daily! The amazing staff is always supportive, the church and school families are so caring and giving, and the students are hard-working and incredible children of God!

My favorite Bible verse reads 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again! Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.' Philippians 4:4,6.

My professional education consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Fontbonne College in St. Louis. I also earned my Master’s degree in Education and Reading Specialist certificate from Fontbonne College.

Biography coming soon!

Biography coming soon!

I earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from East Central College.

The ILS staff provides a Christ-centered learning environment for the students and I enjoy helping the students with computers and technology.  My favorite Bible verse is 'I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.'             Philippians 4:13

The students that I work with always put a smile on my face. You never know what they will say!  My favorite Bible verse reads 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Philippians 4:13.